PonyFans.com VIDEO: Interview with BLAKE McJUNKIN

[PonyPride]

Senior offensive lineman Blake McJunkin visited with PonyFans.com Monday to talk about a number of topics, including how the new SMU offensive line will mesh together, the impact of new offensive line coach Bob Palcic and quarterback Garrett Gilbert, the adjustments he faces when moving from center to guard and the development of center Taylor Lasecki.

[ojaipony]

Much respect for this young man. We are very lucky to have him back this year. Why he wouldn't start at center with his experience/leadership doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not a coach so there you have it.

[Mustangsabu]

Great interview. A little surprised to hear him refer to coach as "June"....

[Hoss]

Much respect for this young man. We are very lucky to have him back this year. Why he wouldn't start at center with his experience/leadership doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not a coach so there you have it.

Coach Palcic has said the best 5 get on the field, right? Junk's best position might be at center, but maybe having him at guard and Lasecki at center would be better than him at center and someone else at guard.

[that's great raplh]

Blake mcAwesome if you ask me

[Mustangsabu]

I love Blake but wasn't he the guy who struggled with the snaps to Padron? It was scary watching Kyle leap
Around like a gazelle before an opponent had so much as flinched.

[smusic 00]

Hence moving him to guard.

[Alaric]

I love Blake but wasn't he the guy who struggled with the snaps to Padron? It was scary watching Kyle leap
Around like a gazelle before an opponent had so much as flinched.

I hated seeing that too but i think that was mainly during his freshman and sophomore years and mainly cleaned it up (though not perfect) over the last 1.5 years.

[One Trick Pony]

Good interview thanks!

[High Horse]

Just gotta love this kid. Great lineman mentality.

[Navy Mustang]

I think one of the reasons he is moving to Guard has to do with mobility. The center doesn't need much mobility - you never see the Center 'pulling' (doesn't make sense). But you need Guards that can be quick on their feet if you need to pull them for a particular play. The more experienced player needs to be the Guard vice the Center. The Center is there to make the line calls and snap the ball and block. The Guards can have a lot more things to do and need to be quick. The center doesn't need to be quick. The Guards need to be guys that are built like a fire plug. The tackles need to be large guys that have the greatest mobility to keep up with the fast DE's that are coming for the QB.

I think Blake is moving to Guard because of his ability to play at that position is more valuable then having him snap the ball. I have no problem with the coaching staff making that kind of call. The unfortunate part is that he is no longer a candidate for the watch list he was picked for.